NEWS

The Final Word: Playing in Cold Temperatures

Have you ever had a dispute with a fellow player over a call on the court that you couldn’t settle? Or have you ever wondered why a certain ruling was made during a match you were watching? Maybe you’re just curious about how some scenarios, from the common to the ridiculous, are resolved.

USTA Director of Officials Richard Kaufman is here to answer your questions. He selects a few submissions at a time and supplies the definitive rulings through a Q&A.

Question: We have some unseasonably low temperatures right now. We had a match this morning with a temperature of 32 degrees with a wind chill that made it feel like 18 degrees. We mentioned it was too cold to play but one of our opponents said 'This is called a winter league.' Is there actually a rule about playing in such a low temperature outside?

KAUFMAN: For tournament play and league play, it is up to the Referee and League Coordinator to decide if conditions warrant a match to be played or not due to temperature (hot or cold) wind, thunderstorms/lightning, etc. If any player has a problem with the conditions, he or she should contact the Referee/Coordinator. I have not heard of winter outdoor league tennis in cold country but if a league wants to do that, they can if it is agreed upon.